The Zonta Club of Chittagong, Bangladesh, continues to advocate for women’s and girls’ rights through legal support initiatives and public calls for justice in cases of violence against women and children.

The club recently extended support to Ms. Nurjahan, a survivor of child marriage and domestic violence. Ms. Nurjahan endured abuse and torture from her husband and in-laws related to dowry demands and was later abandoned by her husband, who remarried. She is now solely responsible for caring for her 10-year-old son while relying on the limited income of her father, a local taxi driver.

In response, the Zonta Club of Chittagong coordinated legal assistance by contacting Advocate Rahonoma Alam, who agreed to handle Ms. Nurjahan’s legal matters. As a result of these efforts, the court issued an arrest warrant for Ms. Nurjahan’s husband and also pledged to help provide her with financial assistance.

As part of its advocacy initiatives, the club also organized an awareness program on “Say No to Violence Against Women and Girls” at Jonab Ali Pilot School. The session featured presentations from Advocate Asaduzzaman and Inspector PBI Morzine Akhter, who discussed the importance of women’s rights, the legal impacts of violence and gender discrimination. Approximately 150 parents and local residents attended the program.

The club also organized a human chain demonstration following the tragic rape and murder of eight-year-old Ramisa Akter in Dhaka on 19 May 2026. Authorities recovered the child’s body after she was reportedly assaulted and killed in a rented flat in the Pallabi area. A neighbor, Sohel Rana, and his wife, Swapna Akter, were subsequently arrested in connection with the case.

Through the human chain, members of the Zonta Club of Chittagong sought to raise awareness and urge government and judicial authorities to pursue justice and strengthen protections for girls and women. The demonstration highlighted concerns about the safety of girls and called for stronger laws and action to prevent violence against children.